Writing Tip: Poetry Form – Hay Na Ku

A Hay Na Ku is a Filipino Haiku. It is a contemporary word count structure developed by Eileen Tabios. It is a tercet of three lines, has a total of six words, one in the first line, two in the second line, and three in the third line. There are no restrictions on syllable counts, stressed, or rhymes. Variations include in the ‘reverse’ haynaku, the longest line is placed first and the shortest last. The total is still six words: three in the first line, two in the second line, and one in the third line. Multiple hay(na)ku can be chained to form a longer poem.

Jody’s mother was and is still a poet and artist who introduced her to poetry and expressive writing as a child in elementary school. Her bed time stories were of Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Marcus Garvey, Phylis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Chavez, Gil Scott Heron, Khalil Gibran, The Last Poets, and many others. All of these influences started Jody’s creative writing experiences as a child and throughout her adulthood.

Do you dream of being a writer? Have you already dabbled with words, but still need some help finding your style on paper? Or are you one of those who have so much to write, but just can’t find the time to get the task done? This book could be your saving grace. Put together by a group of talented writers from the Creative Talents Unleashed family, Writing Tips Vol. 1 is for any level of writer.

Whether you are just a lover of literature or want to take your writing to the next step, Writing Tips will be an informative and delightful read. This book will fit perfectly in a classroom, use it as a coffee table book to create a few conversations, or give it to friend who is struggling with their writing. It was written by writers who enjoy their craft, with the hope of motivating and inspiring others to enjoy the art of writing.